METRO budget cuts
Posted on 02. Mar, 2010 by Tony Arranaga in News
Transit passengers will have an opportunity tonight to voice their concerns over proposed cuts to light-rail service. METRO is holding its budget hearings tonight in Downtown Phoenix and another one next Tuesday in Tempe. Meanwhile, the three cities which are served by the 20 mile starter line have also been holding their own budget hearings. These meetings are set up to get public input on proposed cuts, however there are some indicators as to what schedule changes riders may see. The Arizona Republic is reporting that Phoenix, which shares transportation costs along with Tempe and Mesa, may vote to preserve late-night weekend service (source). The late night service is part of a pilot program (source). Meanwhile, riders may see longer intervals in the months ahead, in addition to see more one car trains on Sundays. For a complete rundown of the proposed cuts and meeting locations click here.
2 Responses to “METRO budget cuts”
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Sean S.
02. Mar, 2010
I just got back from the Downtown Phoenix community meeting on the light rail. It was a good forum and everyone there was given a voice and an ear. I have a growing faith that Steve Banta (CEO of Metro) is the right man for the job here in Phoenix. It is important that we maintain late night service. There are 7 options (not exclusive of each other) that Metro put forth tonight:
1) increase peak headways to 12 minutes (from the current 10). This would increase wait times by an approximate 1.2 minutes*
2) increase peak headways to 15 minutes (from the current 10). This would increase wait times by an approximate 3 minutes*
3) change the first and last hours of what is today the peak period to an “off-peak” frequency (which correlates to a 20-minute headway).
4) reduce service hours slightly across all days.
5) eliminate Friday late night service to midnight (from the current 3am).
6) eliminate Saturday late night service to midnight (from the current 3am).
7) reduce service on some minor holidays (e.g. Black Friday) to “Sunday service”
I appreciate that they are looking for community input, because I believe that they truly do respect and want to understand the perspectives of their users. Of the options given (though they said they are open to any other suggestions), it was obvious to me that options #1, #7, and if also necessary #3 are the best choices for the short-term situation and long-term success of mass transit in Phoenix.
Tony Arranaga
09. Mar, 2010
Thanks Sean for the reporting! Honestly, I would be ok with any of those EXCEPT for late night service. I feel strongly about the need for late night service to help create a vibrant core.